Dentures & Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance and serves as a replacement for missing teeth by resting on the tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and can even enhance your smile.There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it can help prevent other teeth from shifting.There are a number of different complete dentures, ranging from conventional to immediate to interim. A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. Healing of gums after tooth extractions takes, on average, 6 to 8 weeks for the gum tissue to fully close and toughen enough to tolerate eating firmer foods. Complete healing of the underlying bone takes much longer – 6 to 8 months – to allow for the majority of initial bone shrinkage to occur. During this time, a patient can go without teeth or have an interim denture made, which is temporarily used as the tissue heals. Interim dentures are made to only serve for a short period of time until the patient has fully healed and a conventional complet Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. However, once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made and a reline will need to be performed in the future.Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.Reasons for dentures:Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth in an archPartial Denture – Loss of several teeth in an archEnhancing smile and facial tissuesImproving chewing, speech, and digestionWhat does getting dentures involve?The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty. This will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures. You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Our post-operative care instructions are also provided here on our website for easy access. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.